EPL 2016-17: Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted Chelsea starting XI against their London rivals

Chelsea Leicester
Chelsea will look to continue their winning run after knocking out Leicester in the League Cup
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: John Terry of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on August 27, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
John Terry's return will boost Conte's options in defence

Defence

The Chelsea defence looked very unsettled against Liverpool. Though they were more composed against Leicester, they let in two soft goals, to say the least. If you want to single out poor performers against the Reds, Branislav Ivanovic, and Gary Cahill were amongst the worst. Ivanovic was ripped apart at right back and his needless foul led to Liverpool working the ball to Coutinho, who whipped in a cross for Lovren to prod home. It was awful defending as the Red contingent in the box were completely unmarked.

David Luiz did have a bad game that day, but not as bad as Cahill who just never looked comfortable. Thus, Conte can now look to returning club captain John Terry to bring his solidity and experience in the heart of defence alongside David Luiz. The Terry-Luiz partnership could be interesting, but changes in the heart of defence are not always advisable.

Cesar Azpilicueta had a great game against Leicester after his move to right-back, and should return to face Arsenal. In the opposite flank, new signing Marcus Alonso impressed with his dribbling and passing looks to be a player of Conte's ideas.

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Edited by Staff Editor
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